Joint Jewish-Christian delegation visits Parliament House in Canberra
The Zionist Federation of Australia has co-hosted a delegation of Jewish and Christian groups for a visit to Canberra and Parliament House.
Delegates
The historic day began with a meeting in the Canberra Jewish Community Centre with representatives from the leading Christian Zionist groups from around Australia and the two roof bodies of the Jewish community – the ZFA and the ECAJ. Also in attendance was a leading Christian Zionist from New Zealand as well as international legal expert Andrew Tucker, who is based in Holland and is international adviser to the Christians for Israel.
Delegates meet Senator Abetz
Altogether, this brought some 22 people together to discuss areas of common interest and the promotion of our common agenda.
The group then moved en masse to Parliament House for a series of meetings with both Labor and Liberal members of Parliament, primarily on the issue of moving the Australian Embassy to Israel’s capital – Jerusalem. This brought a strong message of unity between Jewish and Christian Zionist groups – and was unique in that it is the first time something like this has happened in Australia.
Amongst the meetings held in Parliament House was one with representatives of the Australian Parliamentary Friends of Israel where it was pointed out that they are the largest Parliamentary Friendship group in the Australian Parliament and one of the most active. According to delegates, this was something which was very positive to hear.
Representing the ZFA was Public Affairs Chairperson Noa Bloch and ZFA Executive Life Member Dr Ron Weiser.
Dr Weiser said “it is indeed heartwarming to see a tremendous support and love our Christian Zionist friends have for Israel and the Jewish people. Their activism on behalf of Israel is something to be admired.”
Noting that this week marks 71 years since the global community officially endorsed the establishment of a Jewish homeland in the State of Israel, Ms. Bloch said, “On this occasion, it was fitting to celebrate the cross-communal and bipartisan support enjoyed by the modern State of Israel and appreciate the strong advocacy of the Christian community.”
